Apparatus for releasing chemicals clearing and cleaning waste pipes

ABSTRACT

Apparatus adapted to be inserted in a waste conveying conduit means for use in clearing and cleaning obstructions therefrom. The apparatus includes a rotatable support plug adapted to be threadably secured in coaxial relationship relative to a waste conveying conduit means. An elongated tubular shaped dispenser means having a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced openings radially extending therethrough is secured to the rotatable support plug means at a position radially spaced from the axis of the plug means whereby the dispenser means can be located at a position adjacent an internal surface portion of the waste conveying conduit means. Indicator means is provided on the rotatable plug support means for indicating the angular set position of the dispenser means relative to the axis of the plug and waste conveying conduit means. One embodiment of the dispenser means is characterized in that the dispenser means is constructed of a disposable element having an amount of chemicals located therein, with the chemicals detailed in chemical characteristics for being released in predetermined amounts in response to flushing water thereover and capable of destroying, clearing and cleaning obstructions located in a waste conveying conduit means. A chemical capable of aiding in the control of pollution could also be utilized in the dispenser. The disposable dispenser means includes means for releasably removing the dispenser means from the plug means for replacing the disposable dispenser means after the chemicals contained therein have been completely released. A second embodiment of the dispenser means is costructed of an elongated tubular element having a cavity portion capable of containing an amount of chemicals, with the dispenser including an entrance opening to permit a new supply of chemicals to be added and wherein the elongated dispenser element includes means for releasably securing the dispenser element to the rotatable plug support means.

United States Patent [191 Stalnaker Nov. 13, 1973 APPARATUS FOR RELEASING CHEMICALS CLEARING AND CLEANING WASTE PIPES 1 [76] Inventor: Robert M. Stalnaker, c/o Newton,

Hopkins & Ormsby, Suite 1010, The Equitable Bldg, 100 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303 [22] Filed: July 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 160,320

[52] US. Cl 23/267-D, 23/272.7, 137/268,

[51] Int. Cl B0ld 11/01 [58] Field of Search 23/267 D, 272.6,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,050,590 8/1936 Smith 23/267 D 2,332,030 10/1943 Toronto 23/267 D 278,045 5/1883 Reich 23/272.7

3,107,156 IO/1963 Fredericks 23/272.7

1,974,355 9/1934 Dellinger 23/272.7

2,135,932 l1/l938 Belmont 23/272.7

2,338,615 1/1944 Armstrongm. 23/267 D 1,904,428 4/1933 Enemark 137/268 2,228,922 l/l94l Gorlick 239/310 2,514,225 7/1950 Sabrohua... 239/312 3,554,450 l/197l Muhala 239/315 2,239,021 4/1941 Siana 239/315 2,787,499 4/1957 Rolston 239/315 [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus adapted to be inserted in a waste conveying conduit means for use in clearing and cleaning obstructions therefrom. The apparatus includes a rotatable support plug adapted to be threadably secured in coaxial relationship relative to a waste conveying conduit means. An elongated tubular shaped dispenser means having a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced openings radially extending therethrough is secured to the rotatable support plug means at a position radially spaced from the axis of the plug means whereby the dispenser means can be located at a position adjacent an internal surface portion of the waste conveying conduit means. Indicator means is provided on the rotatable plug support means for indicating the angular set position of the dispenser means relative to the axis of the plug and waste conveying conduit means. One embodiment of the dispenser means is characterized in that the dispenser means is constructed of a disposable element having an amount of chemicals located therein, with the chemicals detailed in chemical characteristics for being released in predetermined amounts in response to flushing water thereover and capable of destroying, clearing and cleaning obstructions located in a waste conveying conduit means. A chemical capable of aiding in the control of pollution could also be utilized in the dispenser. The disposable dispenser means includes means for releasably removing the dispenser means from the plug means for replacing the disposable dispenser means after the chemicals contained therein have been com- "pletely released. A second embodiment of the dispenser means is costructed of an elongated tubular element having a cavity portion capable of containing an amount of chemicals, with the dispenser including an entrance opening to permit a new supply of chemicals to be added and wherein the elongated dispenser element includes means for releasably securing the dispenser element to the rotatable plug support means.

, 3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR RELEASING CHEMICALS CLEARING AND CLEANING WAST E PIPES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a chemical solution into waste conveying conduit means for the purpose of clearing and cleaning obstructions therefrom. More particularly, this invention is directed to a removably mounted dispenser element adapted to be secured in a waste conveying conduit means at an angular set position relative thereto.

In most building constructions, utilized either as a living facility, commercial establishment or industrial plant, the building construction is provided with one or more waste conveying conduit means for conveying waste such as sewerage from bathroom facilities having commodes for dispensing or flushing waste and predetermined amounts of water therethrough. In the use of the bathroom facilities of these building constructions, the waste conveying conduit means often become obstructed due to roots growing into the waste conveying conduit line or due to material being flushed down these lines, such as grease, hair, or sanitary napkins.

In the past, it has been necessary to dig up these waste conveying lines to remove obstructions, such as roots, which would block the flow of material therethrough in a flushing operation. Often times the waste conveying conduit lines are located in areas which are extremely difficult to dig up, resulting in considerable expense and rendering the bathroom facility associated with these waste conveying or lines unusable while these obstructions are being removed.

In some waste conveying conduit lines, one o more cleanout plugs are associated with the line, which will permit access to the interior of the line for the purpose of removing obstructions. However, since obstructions may be located in the line at remote locations relative to the cleanout plugs, it is difficult to remove these obstructions even after the cleanout plug has been removed. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I The above disadvantages of clearing and cleaning waste pipes have been overcome by the present invention which basically includes an insert adapted to be placed within waste conveying conduit lines at a position to be contacted by water being flushed therethrough and a position to prevent unwanted contact by children and pets. The insert member is constructed-to contain an amount of chemicals, which chemicals will be released in predetermined amounts to be flushed with the water through the waste pipe and will aid in destroying, clearing and cleaning any obstructions located in the pipes during a flushing operation.

An important feature of the present invention is the provisions of a plug support means which is adapted to be threadably secured in coaxial relationship to a waste conveying conduit means, and wherein the rotatable plug support means is provided with means for securing the dispenser element thereto in radially spaced location relative to the axis of the conduit means, whereby the dispenser means will be located adjacent an internal surface wall of the conduit means. The rotatable plug support means is provided with indicator means for indicating the angular set position of the dispenser element relative to the axis of the waste conveying conduit means.

One embodiment of the chemical dispenser element is constructed in the form of an elongated tubular shaped disposable element containing an amount of chemicals to be dispensed in flushing operations and another embodiment of the invention is constructed in the form of an elongated tubular shaped element having a cavity portion for receiving a replaceable supply of chemicals. Each of the above embodiments are provided with means for releasably securing the dispenser means to the rotatable plug support means.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for clearing and cleaning obstructions from waste conveying conduit means.

A further object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for dispensing chemicals into waste conveying conduit means at locations which will prevent accidental or unwanted contact by children or pets.

Another object of this inventionis to provide an apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted in waste conveying conduit means for releasing chemicals in response to water being flushed thereover.

A further object of this invention is to provide a support means for supporting a chemical dispenser in a waste conveying conduit means.

A still further objection of this invention is to provide a rotatable support means for supporting a chemical dispenser in a waste conveying conduit means which includes indicator means for indicating the angular set position of the dispenser within the conduit means.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a disposable dispenser containing chemicals which can be releasably mounted within a waste conveying conduit means and including means for replacing the dispenser after all the chemicals have been dispensed therefrom.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an elongated tubular dispenser member detailed for containing a replaceable supply of chemicals to be dispensed therefrom in a flushing operation of the conduit means. i

Another object of this invention is to provide a rotatable support'means for supporting a chemical dispenser elementin radially spaced location from the axis of a conduit means and adjacent an internal wall surface of the conduit means.

A further object of this invention is to provide an extendible means operatively associated with a support plug and a chemical dispenser for locating a chemical dispenser at selected axially set locations within a waste conveying conduit means.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an apparatus adapted to be inserted in a waste conveying conduit means for clearing and cleaning obstructions therefrom which is simple in construction, economical to manufacture and reliable in performance.

These and other objects and advantages of the details of construction will become apparent upon reading the following description of the illustrative embodiments of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures, and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken longitudinally through a waste conveying conduit means showing a chemical dispenser embodying the principles of the present invention supported therein, with certain parts broken away and shown in section for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the chemical dispenser and support plug of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the chemical dispenser and support plug;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the chemical dispenser and support plug;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view taken along line 55 of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawing, the present invention will be described with reference to a conventional waste conveying conduit means in the form of a sewage pipe means, generally represented by the reference numeral 10, as shown in FIG. 1, and three embodiments of a chemical dispenser and rotatable plug support means, one generally represented by reference numeral 30, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a second embodiment genrally represented by the reference numeral 60, shown in FIG. 3, and a third embodiment generally represented by reference numeral 80, as shown in FIG. 4.

The function of the sewage pipe means 10 is to provide conduit means for conveying waste material frombathroom facilities to conventional sewage treatment facilities. The sewage conveying waste pipe line 10 shown in FIG. 1, includes a substantially Y-shaped conduit member 11 having an input line 12, an output line 13 adapted to be connected to additional pipe means 14 by a conventional collar connecting element 15. The Y-shaped conduit 11 is also provided with a third conduit portion 16 which includes an internally threaded portion 17 adapted to threadably receive a clean-out'plug, as will be described hereinbelow. In operation, the input line 12 of the Y-shaped 'member ll is connected to the bathroom facilities whereby'waste from a bathroom facility will be flushed therethrough and into the conveying lines 13, 14 for transfer to sewage treatment facilities, as indicated hereinabove. The function of the conduit portion 16 of Y-shaped member 11 is to provide an opening whereby access can be obtained to the interior of the waste conveying pipe means 10 for the purpose of removing obstructions therefrom.

The embodiment of the chemical dispenser and rotatable plug support means shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an elongated tubular shaped dispenser 31 and a rotatable plug support means 32. The elongated chemical dispenser 31 is provided with a series of openings 33 which are axially and circumferentially spaced around the elongated tubular member 31 to provide a plurality of openings to permit chemicals to be dispensed therethrough. The elongated tubular dispenser constructed of material which will be corrosive resistant. The tubular dispenser 31 can be constructed to include a tubular cavity portion for containing the chemicals or could be constructed with the chemicals impregnated within the body of the tubular member. The tubular dispenser 31 is detailed in construction to be a disposable dispenser element which is removed and discarded after all the chemicals have been released therefrom.

The tubular dispenser 31 is releasably mounted in the waste conveying conduit means 10 by plug means 32. Plug means 32 includes an externally threaded surface portion 34 which is complementary to the internal threaded portion 17 of conduit portion 16. Rotatable plug support means 32 includes a formed head portion 35 which is adapted to receive conventional tool means for threadably securing the plug element 32 in a set, sealed relationship within conduit 16. The rotatable plug support member 32 is constructed of conventional corrosive resistant material such as plastic and includes a formed collar portion 36 having an internally threaded opening 37 provided therein. The elongated tubular dispenser 31 is provided with a reduced externally threaded end portion 38 which is complementary to and adapted to be threadably secured within collar opening 37. The rotatable support plug 32 is adapted to be coaxially mounted, as shown in FIG. 1, within the conduit portion 16, with the formed collar support member being radially spaced relative to the axis of the plug element. The location of the collar 36 with threaded opening 37 is detailed in radial spacing whereby the tubular chemical dispenser 31 will be supported adjacent an internal wall surface of the conduit means when in an assembled relationship, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, in assembling the tubular chemical dispenser 31 in a waste conveying conduit means it is necessary to locate the dispenser at a position axially spaced therein to ensure that water flushed through the input supply line 12 will contact, surround and flow within the openings 33 to effectively release chemical compounds located therein, as indicated hereinabove. In order to locate the chemical dispenser 31 at a required axially spaced location, as shown in FIG. 1, an extendible member 40 is provided between the chemical dispenser 31 and the rotatable plug support means 32 for extending the dispenser to the required location within the waste conveying conduit means. The extendible member 40 is provided with a first end portion having an internally threaded opening 41 complementary to and capable of threadably mounting the threaded end portion 38 of the chemical dispenser 31. An opposite end of the extendible member 42 is provided with an externally threaded end portion 42 capable of being threadably received within the internally threaded collar opening 37.

The extendible member 40 is usable according to the design characteristics of the waste conveying conduit means and will only be utilized when it is necessary to extend the tubular chemical dispenser 31 to an axially spaced location within the conduit means. The extendible member 40 is constructed of a corrosive resistant material such as plastic and capable of having the desired rigid supporting characteristics for maintaining the chemical dispenser 31 in a desired set location. The expendible member 40 can be constructed of a number of predetermined lengths or can be constructed by assembling a number of the extendible members together to provide the amount of extension necessary for locating the chemical dispenser at the desired location within the waste conveying conduit means.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotatable plug support means 32 is provided with an indicating arrow 35a formed on the head portion 35. The indicating arrow 35a is detailed in angular set location relative to the axis of internally threaded opening 37 for indicating the location of the tubular dispenser 31 when assembled in a waste conveying conduit means. In assembling the rotatable plug support means 32 and chemical dispenser 31 in a conduit means, it is necessary to locate the chemical dispenser at a position angular offset on a opposite side of the conduit means from an input supply line 12, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the dispenser 31 will not block movement of material through the conduit portion 12 into conduit conveying portion 13.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the chemical dispenser and support means is shownand generally represented by reference numeral 60. The chemical dispenser 60 includes an elongated body portion 61 having an upwardly open cavity 62 extending substantially throughout the length thereof. A cover element 63 is provided for releasable attachment to the elongated body 61. Cover 63 is detailed in length and horizontal dimensions to fit over and cover the opening above cavity portion 62. Cover 63 is secured in a releasably set position on body portions 61 by means of a plurality of downwardly projecting formed latching tabs 64. Latching tabs 64 are constructed of a material to be slightly flexible relative to the cover portion and include inward projecting portions 65 which are adapted to engage and securely grip complementary notch portions 66 formed around the upper edge of elongated body member 61.

As shown in FIG. 3, the elong'atedbody member 61 is provided with a plurality of openings 67 radially extending into the interior cavity 62 of the body member. Cover member 63 is also provided with a plurality of openings 68-extending therethrough. Openings 67, 68 are operable for permitting water to pass therethrough, to come in contact with a chemical filled bag or cartridge means 69. The chemicalfilled bag or cartridge means 69 is detailed in dimensions to fit within the cavity area 62 and to include chemicals having chemical characteristics which can be released therefrom when brought in contact with water, as described hereinabove in the first embodiment.

The elongated body member 61 is integrally formed or secured to a rotatable plug means 70. The elongated body member 61 is secured at a radially spaced location relative to the axis of the rotatable plug, whereby the dispenser means 60 can be located adjacent an internal surface of waste conveying conduit means, as indicated hereinabove. The rotatable support plug means 70 is provided with external threads 71 which are complementary to and adapted to be threadably secured within the threaded portion 17 of conduit member 16, shown hereinabove in FIG. 1. The rotatable plug member 7.0 is provided with a head portion 72 detailed in axis of the plug means, in the same manner as described above in regard to FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the dispenser means is shown and generally represented by the reference numeral 80. The dispenser element is constructed as an elongated tubular member 81 having a closed end 82 and an axially open end 83. A plurality of radial openings 84 are formed to extend through the surface of the elongated tubular member 81 whereby water can pass therethrough into the interior cavity portion. The open end 83 of the dispenser is'adapted to be frictionally secured within a complementary opening 85 formed in a collar portion 86 of a rotatable support plug means 87. The open end 83 of the dispenser is provided with an annular ring element 88 which is adapted to frictionally engage and provide means for securing the dispenser to a complementary annular recess 89 provided in the collar opening 85. The collar opening 85 is radially spaced relative to the axis of the rotatable support plug 87, whereby the dispenser element 81 can be secured within a waste conveying conduit means adjacent an internal surface portion. Rotatable plug support means 87 is provided with external threads 90 which are complementary to and adapted to threadably secure the plug within threaded openings 17 of conduit element 16. Plug support 87 is provided with a head portion 91 which is detailed in dimensions for receiving conventional connecting tools, as described hereinabove. The chemical dispenser 80 shown in FIG. 4- is detailed for receiving an elongated bag or cartridge of chemical material 95. The bag or cartridge 95 is detailed in dimensions to be received within the elongated cavity portion of dispenser 80.

The releasable connecting means 88, 89 provided between the dispenser 80 and rotatable plug 87 will permit the dispenser to be disengaged from the plug so that the chemical compound can be replaced after having been completely expelled during flushing operations, as described hereinabove.

Each of the above described embodiments are constructed of material which is corrosive resistant, such as plastic or fiberglass and the extendible member 40 shown in FIG. '1 is constructed of similar corrosive 'resistant material. I

It is apparent that'the rotatable plug support means can be provided in various dimensions to fit various size conduit means and that the length and diameter of the dispenser elements can also bevaried to fit the size of waste conduit means to which they are to be applied.

OPERATION be provided with its respective dispenser element 30,

60 and 80.

In utilizing the dispenser elements described hereinabove, sometimes it'is necessary to utilize one or more extendible elements 40 to allow the dispenser means to be positioned axially along the conduit means at a location which will ensure contact of the dispenser by water being flushed through conduit means.

The above described construction and placement of the dispenser elements, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, are detailed such that the location of the dispenser will be at a position which will prevent unwanted or accidental contact of the chemicals or water containing any of the chemicals by children and or pets. Also, the chemicals contained in the dispensers can be detailed in chemical characteristics to aid in controlling pollution.

In utilizing either of the dispensers, 30, 60 or 80, means is provided for replacing chemicals in the waste conveying conduit means after the original supply has been completely released therefrom during repeated flushing operations. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispenser is constructed of a disposal element which is merely threadably removed from the support collar 35, discarded and replaced with a new dispenser element containing a quantity of. chemicals. In utilizing the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cover element 63 is removed which will expose the cavity portion 62. After the cover has been removed, the bag or cartridge which contained the original supply of chemicals is removed and replaced by a new supply of chemicals.

In utilizing the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a chemical compound is replaced therein by disengaging the dispenser body portion 81 from the plug support 87, removing the bag or cartridge containing the original supply of chemicals and adding a new supply to the dispenser.

The chemical dispensers described above in each of the embodiments may include a selected one or combination of a number of chemical compounds, such as caustic soda, copper sulfate, highly alkaline ingredients, or other suitable chemical compounds capable of obtaining the desired results.

It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative embodiments of the chemical dispenser means are capable of obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It is obvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications in the details of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention which is to be limited only by the scope of the'appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus adapted to be inserted in waste conveying conduit means for use in clearing and cleaning obstructions therefrom comprising:

a. a rotatable plug support means, said plug support means including means for threadably securing said plug support means into a waste conveying conduit means in coaxial relationship relative thereto;

b. dispenser means, said dispenser means including an elongated trough-shaped member and a removable cover for said member, said trough-shaped member being provided with notch portions adjacent the upper edge of the trough and said cover member being provided with latching tabs engagable with said notch portions for holding the cover in place of the trough thereby forming a cavity portion capable of containing an amount of chemicals therein, said member and said cover means including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced openings radially extending into said cavity portion, whereby chemicals contained therein can be released in response to water being flushed thereover; and,

c. means for releasably securing said dispenser means to said plug means at a point radially spaced from the axis of said plug means, whereby the dispenser means is located adjacent an internal surface portion of a waste conveying conduit means, said r0- tatable' plug support means including indicator means for indicating the angular set position of said dispenser means relative to the axis of said plug support means and being located such said dispenser is positioned in a drain pipe opposite the opening of a lateral pipe thereinto.

2. Apparatus adapted to be inserted in waste conveying conduit means as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said dispenser means is constructed of a disposable material having chemical compounds impregnated therein, with the chemical compounds capable of being released in predetermined amounts during subsequent flushing operations of water thereover, with the chemicals detailed in chemical characteristics for clearing and cleaning obstructions located in the waste conveying conduit means, and wherein said disposable dispenser means is releasably secured to said plug means and capable of being replaced after all the impregnated chemicals have been released therefrom.

3. Apparatus adapted to be inserted in waste conveying conduit means as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said rotatable plug support means includes an extendible element adapted to be releasably connected to said rotatable plug support means adjacent one end and adapted to be releasably connected to said dispenser means adjacent an opposite end, whereby the dispenser means can be secured in a waste conveying conduit 'means at an axially set location therein, to ensure that water flushed through the waste conveying conduit means will contact said dispenser means for releasing predetermined amounts of chemicals contained therein. 

2. Apparatus adapted to be inserted in waste conveying conduit means as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said dispenser means is constructed of a disposable material having chemical compounds impregnated therein, with the chemical compounds capable of being released in predetermined amounts during subsequent flushing operations of water thereover, with the chemicals detailed in chemical characteristics for clearing and cleaning obstructions located in the waste conveying conduit means, and wherein said disposable dispenser means is releasably secured to said plug means and capable of being replaced after all the impregnated chemicals have been released therefrom.
 3. Apparatus adapted to be inserted in waste conveying conduit means as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said rotatable plug support means includes an extendible element adapted to be releasably connected to said rotatable plug support means adjacent one end and adapted to be releasably connected to said dispenser means adjacent an opposite end, whereby the dispenser means can be secured in a waste conveying conduit means at an axially set location therein, to ensure that water flushed through the waste conveying conduit means will contact said dispenser means for releasing predetermined amounts of chemicals contained therein. 